Because of the incapacitating nature of arthritis, surgeons have explored various means of treating the disease. For treatment of the pain and maintenance of joint movement, many patients are recommended to undergo surgery. Report says that if the root cause of osteoarthritis is treated, many hip replacement surgeries are avoidable.
 
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is also known as the “wear and tear” arthritis, degenerative joint disease and hypertrophic arthritis. OA is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of joint’s cartilage. When the cartilage starts to collapse, bones rub against each other causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the joint. 
 
 
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus, OA do not affect other organs in the body. Pain in the affected joints caused by repetitive use is the most common symptom of OA. There can be swelling, warmth and creaking of the affected joints. Pain and stiffness of the joints can also occur after long periods of inactivity. Upon waking up, osteoarthritis patients complain of “morning stiffness.” The duration of the stiffness is more or less 30 minutes.  It is diminished by mild activity warming up the joint. 
 
Patient affected with osteoarthritis poses different set of symptoms. There may be patients who are severely affected by their condition while others do not manifest any signs and symptoms. Symptoms can also be intermittent.  The pain may worsen with activity throughout the day, and decreases intensity. After resting your joint, pain will again start to develop. 
 
It is imperative that as early as possible, osteoarthritis is diagnosed and managed. The initial step to a successful osteoarthritis management is early diagnosis and treatment.  Included in majority of the treatment plans are exercise, weight control, joint protection, physical and occupational therapy and medication.  Surgery is advised mostly for patients whose osteoarthritis is unresponsive to other forms of treatment methods.Total hip and total knee replacements are now commonly performed in community hospitals throughout the United States.  After surgery, a remarkable decrease in pain level and improved function is observed.
 
Dr. Louis Pack, author of the book The Arthritis Revolution says that surgical repair for osteoarthritis may be reduced if doctors give more attention on the root cause of the disease. He clarified that osteoarthritis is caused by abnormal alignment, and until this is solved, problems with OA will not be solved. 
 
One of the grounds for hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Unfavorable feedbacks were thrown at the procedure after patients complained of complications potentially caused by the device used.  As an answer to these health concerns, a hip replacement recall is being done.